Every year, I tell myself I’m not going to the Taste of Chicago. It’s too crowded, the lines are too long, and half the food is overpriced. And every year, I end up going anyway because my friends drag me there. But this year was different. I went during the preview day (Wednesday, June 24) and actually had a strategy. And you know what? I found some truly excellent food that I keep thinking about.
The Taste runs from June 24 to June 29 in Grant Park, and it’s still the biggest food festival in the country. Over 3 million people will go this year. The usual suspects are there—Lou Malnati’s pizza, Rainbow Cone, Eli’s Cheesecake—but I wanted to find the stuff that’s actually worth your time and money. Here’s what I discovered.
The Smash Burger That Broke My Brain
There’s a booth called “The Griddle” run by a guy named Marcus, who used to have a pop-up in Logan Square. He’s doing a single thing: a double smash burger with American cheese, pickles, and a special sauce on a potato bun. It’s $12, which sounds expensive for a burger at a festival, but trust me—it’s worth it. The patties are crispy-edged, the bun is soft, and the sauce is tangy and slightly spicy. I ate two. They were the best thing I had all day.
I talked to Marcus for a few minutes. He told me he’s trying to open a permanent spot in Pilsen next year. I’ll be there.
The Vietnamese Iced Coffee That Saved My Life
It was 95 degrees and humid on Wednesday. I was sweating through my shirt and regretting every life choice that led me to stand in a food line. Then I found a booth called “Saigon Sips” run by a family from Uptown. They’re selling Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) for $6. It’s strong, sweet, and served over ice with condensed milk. I drank three. It’s the perfect festival drink—caffeine and sugar to keep you going, and cold enough to cool you down.